Massachusetts primary to be held Thursday

By Sarah N. Mattero, Globe Correspondent

The Massachusetts state primary will be held on Thursday this year - the first time a statewide primary has been held on any day but a Tuesday in 24 years.

Voters will head to the polls to cast ballots for a host of statewide races including primaries in some of the nine congressional districts, as well as in the 200 legislative districts. Some communities will also cast ballots for local offices.

Polls will open across the state at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Those wondering where to vote can enter their address here to find their polling place and to learn more about who is running in their district.

Voters may cast ballots within the party they previously registered for. Those enrolled as independents may select party ballots, but will still remain unenrolled.

But voter turnout will likely be low. Only 15 percent of registered voters in the state are expected to vote, said Brian McNiff, a spokesman for Secretary of State William Galvin’s office.